FAQ
What are your hours?
Monday-Wednesday 10-6, Thursday 11-7, Friday 10-5, Saturday 10-4, and closed on Sunday. We are closed for most major holidays.
Can I get a library card?
Any adult can get a library card. If you live in Medina County or have children who attend a Medina Valley ISD school it's free to get a library card. If you live in Medina County but outside of Castroville or MVISD, it's $10 per year per household for a library card. If you live out of county, it's $25 per person per year for a library card. Registration fees can be waived if members present a TexShare card from their home library. All prospective members must present a photo id. If the photo id does not have your current physical address, please bring a piece of mail, such as a utility bill with your current physical address.
How old do you have to be to get a library card?
10. 16 and younger must be connected to a parent or guardian's account. This adult is responsible for making sure library materials are returned on time and in good condition. They are also responsible for any fines the child may get.
Can I use the computer?
Yes, use your library card number to log in to the public computers. If you do not have a library card with us, please bring in a photo id and we'll issue you a guest pass.
Do you have wifi?
Yes, CPLpatron can be accessed 24/7 from the parking lot and outdoor seating areas and in the library during business hours.
How many books can I borrow?
You can borrow ten books/CD audiobooks and four DVDs/Blu-Rays at a time. You can borrow two vinyl records at a time. You can borrow additional digital items from Libby and SimplyE.
What is the lending period?
Books and CD audiobooks are checked out for three weeks at a time. DVDs, Blu-Rays, vinyl records, course kits, Texana items, and wifi hotspots are checked out for one week at a time. Items can be renewed for an additional lending period if no other members have the item on hold. The lending period on digital items varies from 2-3 weeks. To renew CPL items, text 830-468-6389, login into your account, or call us at 830-931-4095. Please see this page for late fee costs.
Where do I return my items?
Items can be returned in the circulation desk book drop during business hours, or in the return slot on the east (Naples St.) side of the building 24/7. To access the 24/7 book drop, go through the drive-thru and you will see the slot just past the utility payment kiosk.
Can I borrow a wifi hotspot?
Members in good standing who have had an account for at least six months are eligible to borrow a wifi hotspot. To get started, visit the circulation desk and fill out an agreement form. You will be issued a box with the hotspot device, a charger, and a wire. The device operates on the T-Mobile network. To protect your privacy, all data and history are cleared from the device as soon as the item is returned. The cost for a lost or damaged hotspot device is $500. Overdue hotspots will be disabled remotely. Wifi hotspots can be checked out for one week at a time and the late fee is $1.00 per day. Hotspots can be renewed for one week at a time if there are no other members waiting to borrow a device.
What if Castroville Library doesn't own a book that I want to read?
Members in good standing who have had an account for at least six months can request interlibrary loans. Availability is not guaranteed. Lending periods and late fees are determined by the lending library. Generally, items published within the last six months are difficult to get through interlibrary loan. To request an interlibrary loan, visit the circulation desk for a form or click here and log in with your library card info. Members in good standing who have had an account for at least six months can also request a TexShare card. TexShare cards give members free access to participating libraries across the state. Nearby participating libraries include Lytle, Hondo, Devine, and San Antonio. Terms vary by library and may be limited. For more info, click here.
Do you have a notary?
Yes, many of our staff are notaries. Please call and check availability. Our notary services are donation-based.
Can I scan, copy, fax, and print at the library and how much does it cost?
Yes, these services are available. The staff operates fax machine and printer. Click here for fees.
Do you accept book donations?
As of December 2022, we are at capacity and cannot accept anything other than books published this year or last year that are not currently in our collection. Please do not leave book donations outside the library or in our book drop. We have a magazine trade shelf for magazine donations. We appreciate you considering us to donate your previous-loved books, but our space is limited. Please visit our Friends of the Library book sale carts at the library entrance to browse recently-donated items.